Firearms deployments at their lowest level for 14 years
Published: Wednesday, May 8th 2024, 10:41
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Swiss police officers only fired live rounds twice during operations last year. This is the lowest figure for 14 years. In both cases, one person was killed. Taser deployments, on the other hand, increased slightly.
The Conference of Cantonal Police Directors (KKPKS) announced on Wednesday that police use of firearms has been at a low level for years. However, with two incidents last year, a new low has been reached: There had not been so few firearms deployments in 14 years. In 2022 and 2021, there were six incidents involving firearms.
In contrast, electric pulse pistols - known as Tasers - were used 17 times more in 2023 than in the previous year. In total, officers used this weapon, which triggers electrical impulses, 86 times. However, this figure is also in line with the average of the last three years, according to the report.
The use of weapons is always based on the principle of proportionality, the KKPKS continued. The use of firearms is only permissible if no milder or more suitable means are available.
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